Tropical Depression Four formed Friday night near Cuba, and the storm is forecast to cross the island into the Gulf of Mexico.
National Hurricane Center forecasters expect it to threaten the Florida Gulf Coast, with watches and warnings posted from the Big Bend region to the Keys.
"After the system crosses Cuba and emerges over the eastern Gulf of Mexico, the environmental and oceanic conditions appear favorable for intensification," said Brad Reinhart, Senior Hurricane Specialist at the NHC.
"A Hurricane Watch has been issued for portions of west-central Florida and the Big Bend region, where hurricane conditions are possible late Sunday," he said.
